PBBM leads political, church officials in mourning death of Pope Francis

President Marcos expressed deep sorrow over Pope Francis's passing, saying the latter was the best Pope in his lifetime.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS, ELLALYN DE VERA RUIZ, HANNAH TORREGOZA, and ELLSON QUISMORIO

"Ibang klase si Pope Francis (Pope Francis is different). That's really sad," he said on the sidelines of a meeting on Monday, April 21.

"I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime, as far as I'm concerned," he added.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos described the Pope's passing as a "profoundly sad day."

"A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten," he said.

According to Marcos, Pope Francis taught humanity to extend kindness and care to one another.

"His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church," he said.

"As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us," he added.

Grieving senators

Meanwhile, senators joined the Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis who was hailed for his tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusion.

"I join the Catholic Church and the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a true shepherd of Christ's flock. His tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusion reshaped the Church's role in promoting unity across religious and cultural divides," Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.

As the first Latin American pontiff, Escudero noted Pope Francis championed the marginalized, “bringing their voices to the forefront of his papacy and inspiring the world with his message of love and acceptance.”

Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who had the privilege to meet the Pope last year together with his family, also expressed sadness over Pope Francis’ death.

“My heart is heavy with grief for our beloved Lolo Kiko, our Pope Francis, whose papacy was marked by his extraordinary compassion and humility,” Zubiri said.